Sunday, 27 March 2011

Jurors took just under seven hours to find Michael Fagbuaro, 22, guilty of the manslaughter of Asif Bashir.

But the jury cleared him of murder.

Mr Bashir was blasted in both legs by three armed and masked men as he visited his ex-girlfriend.

He survived the attack and was released from hospital three days later on crutches. But four weeks later he was struck down by unexpected complications and died the following day.

Fagbuaro admitted robbery and possession of a firearm with intent to commit an offence on August 6, but he denied murder on the grounds he thought the firearm was a “blank”.

But jurors convicted Fagbuaro, of Grove Way, Edge Hill, of the unlawful killing.

Liverpool Crown Court remained quiet as the unanimous verdict was delivered, despite a tense atmosphere.

Police officers were on guard both inside and outside the courtroom after previous conflict between Fagbuaro’s supporters and those connected with Mr Bashir.

Following the verdict, Fagbuaro’s family and friends were ushered out of the Derby Square building by Matrix officers, while three police vans were positioned outside to prevent any further confrontation.

During the trial, Fagbuaro admitted he was delivering cocaine to Mr Bashir’s ex-girlfriend, Laura Boylan, who lived on Edinburgh Road, Kensington.

While outside the property, Fagbuaro became aware Mr Bashir was counting cash inside.

He told jurors he believed it was “10 or 20 grand”.

In fact, Mr Bashir had £700 in takings from his family’s butchers shop on Smithdown Road, Wavertree.

Over the next few minutes, Fagbuaro rang a pal to plot the robbery and shortly after midnight CCTV cameras picked up a Volvo pulling up outside Miss Boylan’s house.

The footage then showed three men getting out of the car and Fagbuaro kicking down the door. An unidentified male was carrying the gun.

Andrew Menary, QC, prosecuting, told how Mr Bashir attempted to fight the men off and they were rebuffed. But instead of giving up, they regrouped outside, the gun was passed to the other unidentified accomplice and they went back in.

During the following struggle, Fagbuaro stripped Mr Bashir of his watch and jewellery before he was blasted through both legs with one bullet.

The gang fled, but police were already on their trail. Officers pursued the gang through Kensington before they abandoned the car. Fagbuaro was found hiding under a caravan. Mr Bashir’s jewellery, phone and bank cards were next to him.

High Court judge Mr Justice Irwin adjourned sentencing on Fagbuaro until Monday. His accomplice, Aaron Quarty, 22, of Selbourne Close, Toxteth, who pleaded guilty to robbery, will also be sentenced at the same time.